Army calls for restraint, dialogue

ISLAMABAD - Army’s Inter-Services Public Relations, in its first statement issued in connection with the present political turmoil in the country, has warned all the stakeholders to resolve the prevailing impasse through meaningful dialogue in the larger national and public interest.In a statement, the ISPR said that buildings in the Red Zone were symbols of the state and being protected by the Army, so sanctity of these national symbols must be respected. The statement warned all the stakeholders that the situation required patience, wisdom and sagacity from all the stakeholders to end the prevailing impasse through meaningful dialogue in the larger national and public interest.This was the first reaction from the military about the current political situation and political analysts declared it significant. AFP adds: ISPR spokesman General Asim Bajwa called for restraint and a negotiated settlement. “Situation requires patience, wisdom and sagacity from all stakeholders to resolve prevailing impasse through meaningful dialogue in larger national and public interest,” he said through a recognised Twitter account.The unexpected late-night intervention from the military, which is hugely influential in Pakistan, came after Imran Khan issued an ultimatum demanding Sharif resign by Wednesday evening.Meanwhile, Britain, one of Pakistan’s leading partners and a major aid donor, urged the two sides to find a democratic solution to the crisis.“We strongly support a democratic Pakistan and the use of democratic institutions to resolve political disputes,” British foreign minister Philip Hammond said in a statement.“I hope that all parties in Pakistan can work together under the Constitution to peacefully resolve current political differences.”

This news was published in The Nation newspaper. Read complete newspaper of 20-Aug-2014 here.